Top 5 Destinations for Family Holidays in Portugal

1. The Algarve

The Algarve is Portugal’s most popular region for beach holidays, home to sandy beaches, calm waters and plenty of family-friendly resorts.

Nearest Airport: Faro Airport (FAO) – Centrally located in the Algarve

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Zoomarine Algarve (Guia) – A marine park with dolphins, sea lions, birds, water slides and pools.

• Slide & Splash Water Park (Lagoa)– A huge water park with slides, wave pools and kid zones.

• Benagil Cave & Boat Tours (Lagoa)– Family boat trips or kayaking tours to explore spectacular coastal caves.

• Sand City (Lagoa)– An impressive sand sculpture park that changes theme every year.

• Praia da Rocha (Portimão) – Beautiful beach with safe swimming and nearby amenities.

2. Porto

Porto is a charming northern city with river cruises, historical attractions and links to Harry Potter.

Nearest Airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) – 15 km from the city centre

Top Things to do with Kids:

• World of Discoveries – An interactive museum and theme park bringing Portugal’s Age of Exploration to life.

• Sea Life Porto – An engaging aquarium with ocean tunnels and marine animal talks.

• Porto Tram Ride – Take a trip along the Douro River in a vintage tram.

• Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal) – Beautiful gardens with peacocks and wonderful views of the river.

• Livraria Lello – Visit the stunning bookshop, said to have inspired JK Rowling to create Hogwarts. Book tickets online in advance to avoid the queues.

3. Madeira

The island of Madeira is perfect for families who love nature, adventure and beautiful scenery.

Nearest Airport: Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC) – 20 km from Funchal 

Top Things to do with Kids:

• CR7 Museum (Funchal) – Fans of locally born footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, will want to visit this museum dedicated to his career.

• Monte Toboggan Ride – Traditional wicker toboggans driven by local guides, offering a unique downhill ride. Not for the fainthearted.

• Funchal Cable Car & Botanical Gardens – A scenic trip with stunning views over Funchal.

• Whale and Dolphin Watching Tours – Frequent sightings make these tours exciting for kids.

• Levada Walks – Easy, guided nature trails through the island’s lush landscapes.

4. Sintra

A fairy-tale town just outside Lisbon, Sintra enchants families with its colourful palaces, castles and mystical forests.

Nearest Airport: Lisbon Airport (LIS) – 30 km from Sintra

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Pena Palace – A bright and slightly eccentric hilltop palace that looks like it came out of a storybook.

• Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros) – Explore ancient ramparts with views over the region.

• Quinta da Regaleira – Very ornate castle and estate filled with grottoes, towers and secret tunnels.

• Sintra Tram Ride – A 45-minute-ride between Sintra and Maçãs Beach, passing by some of Sintra's main landmarks on the way.

• Monserrate Palace & Gardens – Exotic plants and wide-open spaces for picnics and play.

5. Lisbon

Portugal’s capital is a lively and elegant city built on the sea and packed with family-oriented experiences and activities.

Nearest Airport: Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) – 7 km from the city centre

Top Things to do with Kids:

• Lisbon Oceanarium – One of the largest aquariums in Europe, featuring sea otters, sharks and many varieties of tropical fish.

• Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Science Museum) – Hands-on exhibits that are both fun and educational.

• Tram 28 Ride – A scenic tram ride through the city’s historic neighbourhoods.

• Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery – Stunning architecture and vast open spaces and gardens to explore.

• Lisbon Zoo – See the animals in their natural habitats in themed enclosures, complete with a cable car for panoramic views.